Bodner

1923 - 2008

Mrs. Hilda Bodner, beloved wife of the late Mr. Frank Bodner, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at the age of 84 years. Hilda was born on September 18, 1923 in Hungary, one of eight children born to George and Mary Andreas. In 1930, she immigrated to Canada along with two brothers and parents. The family first settled in the Richmound/Horsham area in Saskatchewan where five more children were born and completed their family. Following the untimely death of her father, the family moved to Maple Creek. While there, she met her future husband, Ivor Johnson. In 1943 they were married and began their life farming south of Richmound until 1968 when Ivor passed away. Hilda then moved to Medicine Hat where she worked at the Teeoda Lodge. True love found Hilda a second time when she was introduced to Frank Bodner. They were married in 1974 and each were blessed with a new family. Hilda was an active member of Gordon Memorial United Church in Redcliff. Her sense of community and generosity to others strengthened the relationships that she built with many people...both young and old. People gravitated towards her as she was well loved and respected. Hilda enjoyed gardening and had quite a green thumb! Her garden was home to many of God's creatures including birds, deer and bunnies. The deer helped themselves to the fresh tomatoes...the bunnies nestled in their beds under the trees and the birds were well fed. Her caring nature made sure they all felt welcome. As a life-long learner, Hilda was an achiever. She never missed an opportunity to learn whether it was by means of reading books, watching documentaries or by interacting with people, her knowledge was vast. She was often called upon for advice in a variety of subjects because if anyone knew...it was her. Of all the qualities that Hilda possessed, it was her value of family that will be remembered the most. Although ill, her determination to see her family through Christmas prevailed. It was time well spent and will be forever cherished in the hearts of her children, Mary (Joe) Walsh of Maple Creek and Rita Smith (Phillip Hogg) of Borden, Saskatchewan; grandchildren, Talla (Marc) Perkins, Tricia (Clark) Gawryluik and Tracey (Doug) Martinook; Sean (Barbara) Smith, Ivor Smith, Jeannine (Kelley) Smith-Perry and Donna Smith and 10 great-grandchildren. Hilda will be missed by Frank's children whom she equally loved, Merv (Marilyn) Bodner of Lanigan, Saskatchewan and their children, Ray Bodner and Michele (Kelly) Skorlatowski; Linda (Frank) Wilkinson and their children Stanley (Charlene) Wilkinson, Theresa (Rahim) Omran and Holly Wilkinson as well as six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, George (Winnie) Andreas of Maple Creek, SK., Joe (Melanie) Andreas of Penticton, B.C., Pat (Lenore) Andreas of Regina, Ida (Norm) Senger of Langley, B.C., Erna Glover and Margaret Andreas both of Nanaimo, B.C. as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Hilda was predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Andreas Kaytar; first husband, Ivor Johnson; second husband, Frank Bodner; brother, Albert Andreas and a grandson, Tommy Bodner. The Funeral Service will be held at Gordon Memorial United Church, 401 - 2nd Street S.E., Redcliff on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Blaine Schaufele officiating. Interment will take place in the Maple Creek Cemetery at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Hilda's name may be made directly to the Gordon Memorial United Church Memorial Fund, 401 - 2nd Street S.E. Redcliff, Alberta T0J 2P0 or to the Palliative Care Society, 666 - 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6.